The Canadian Somali-Jewish Mentorship Project in Ottawa

[FatB]

Ottawa's Jewish community is volunteering to help young Somali-Canadians develop contacts in the city and break into professional fields.

 

The Canadian Somali Congress and the Canadian International Peace Project are holding an information and registration session this Saturday at Carleton University for Somali-Canadian university and college students and young professionals who might like to have a mentor.

 

The Canadian Somali-Jewish Mentorship Project in Ottawa is modelled on a successful program established in Toronto by Ahmed Hussen, president of the Canadian Somali Congress.

 

Hussen came up with the idea after running into a young Somali-Canadian with a degree in accounting who was working at Tim Hortons. The young man couldn't get the practical experience he needed to get chartered because he didn't know any accountants.

 

"We sent an open letter to all Canadian communities in Canada, and we said, 'We are the Somali community in Canada. We have a deficit of professionals. And we have a surplus of people who want to be mentored,'" he said. "And the first and fastest community to respond was the Jewish community."

 

Upon reflection, it's not surprising that the Jewish community stepped forward, Hussen said, as Jews went through similar growing pains in decades past.

 

"They know what it's like not to be able to get access to certain professions."

 

Mark Zarecki, head of Jewish Family Services of Ottawa, said he has no doubt mentors will sign up.

 

He said there is a "streak" in the Jewish community of tikkun olam — a Hebrew term that means "healing the world."

 

"And I think this fits that concept of helping other communities." Zarecki said.

 

Hussen said he hopes one day Somali-Canadian professionals in turn will be able to take their turn mentoring a new generation of immigrants from somewhere else.

[Polanyi]

good opportunity.

[BOB]

How long is it going to be before another brainwashed maryooley barges in here and starts lecturing us about Judaism and openly insult Islam and its followers like some have been doing here for ages?

 

 

Peace, Love & Unity.

[B]

This is a wonderful opportunity for young Somali -Canadians.

[Jacaylbaro]

"We sent an open letter to all Canadian communities in Canada, and we said, 'We are the Somali community in Canada. We have a deficit of professionals. And we have a surplus of people who want to be mentored,'" he said. "And the first and fastest community to respond was the Jewish community."

Looks like it was an open bid ,,,, and the Jewish took the chance.

[Malika]

An interesting venture,I can see the appeal but hope those involved will be cauctious..Reminding me of the mission schools back in the colonial days..hmmm

[General Duke]

^^^Jews dont want anyone to convert to their faith dear. Anywho Hussain Ahmed is doing a fine job in Canada.

[ailamos]

it's encouraging, if the Jews want to help then so be it, it would be a good opportunity for both sides to learn from one another and understand each other.

[Allamagan]

Ottawa dhalinyaro somaliyeed oo jabuutiyan u badan oo kuli madaxa kuwada socda aa jooga. good luck!

[LayZie G.]

Bob, who here insults Islam openly? Care to name names? Your outbursts are very unusual, especially with an old school lad like yourself from Kismayo, oo bulsho eh. Reer Kismayo waa rageedii but you are falling for this act of "people are insulting Islam openly in SOL" yet you don't give example of when this occurred, who said it etc?

 

As for the topic, nothing wrong with Somali community engaging other communities, cultures and people of different faiths in order to build business relationships. Yes, you are a Muslim and yes the folks in question are of a Jewish faith but no harm could come from achieving the ultimate goal, making business contacts, possible business venture with the said organization and a further clientele and above all a lasting experience, one that these young professionals will take with them wherever they end up. The above opportunities are rare and when opportunity knocks, you take it.

 

Now, your problem is that the mentorship programs are offered by jewish organizations, which is quite possible to say that your above statement echoes anti-semitic sentiments, one that should not be tolerated in this forum nor any other. Disliking a particular faith, just because some people from that faith have committed great injustices against certain group does not make it right nor is it a view that a remarkable young Muslim man like yourself should hold and I encourage you to reevaluate your position about judaism and jewish people in general.(this can't be good)

 

 

PS: Its always good news when you read about outreach programs such as the mentorship project, Somalis are slowly but effectively coming out of their dark holes....

[Peacenow]

I'm full of admiration and respect for Jewish people. Thank you.

[rudy-Diiriye]

never trust another human-being...they are full of flaws! they are not perfect, trust only the creator.

 

Otherwise, you will learn your lesson the hard way.

[B]

Or you could just talk to yourself?

[FatB]

^ wiilka muu waashe? PCnow let that flag wave high

[B]

^ What?